A CROSS Hills boy riding an electric motorbike has been crowned a national champion.

Myles Hutchinson became British Youth ACU Trials Champion for the second year running despite stepping up to ride with older children this year.

Myles powered past the opposition and into the future in the same month the government announced a forthcoming ban on diesel and petrol vehicles.

New vehicles using the traditional fossil fuels will be outlawed in the UK from 2040 in a bid to tackle air pollution.

Myles, 10, is one of an increasing number of young trials riders favouring electric bikes such as the OSET 24.0 over petrol-powered two-wheelers.

Simon Armstrong, from OSET Bikes, said his company was delighted for the “extremely focused and very competitive” Myles after supporting him for a couple of years.

Mr Armstrong added: “Just six years ago electric-powered bikes like OSET were seen as a bit of a novelty in a petrol-dominated sport. Now, the youngest riders aged four to 10 pretty much all ride electric-powered bikes.

“That trend of swapping petrol-power for electric is set to continue through the sport, especially in the wake of the government announcements regarding combustion engines.”

Myles emerged victorious after facing fierce competition over four intense days of riding across Yorkshire and the Midlands, finishing the season with his best riding buddy, Dominic Horne from Baildon.

Myles said: “It’s been tough moving up to the harder level this year. Bigger obstacles, more technical moves and bigger kids!”

Frazer Hutchinson, Myles’ dad father, said he was exceptionally proud of his son’s achievement riding a bike that is lighter than its traditional petrol counterparts.

He said: “Myles has been riding an OSET since he was four years old, and to become British Champion for the second year running is an accomplishment he will carry with him through his life.”

Trials riding involves riding a motorbike over obstacles without putting your feet down, on courses designed to test balance, control and skill.

Entrants typically ride on a one-mile course with 12 sections ridden in three laps, losing a point every time the foot touches the ground, with the competition lasting around five hours.

Mr Hutchinson said the day was physically and mentally tough for the young riders.

He said: “Walking each section to plan a route, know where you’re going to position the bike and how to ride different terrain and obstacles is demanding.

“Invariably you’re doing it in front of your nearest competitors, parents and other riders, all while being observed by an independent adjudicator. To perform under that scrutiny and pressure at every round is remarkable!”

Myles is a member of trials club Bradford DMC, home of legendary rider Dougie Lampkin from Silsden.